VW shifting away from touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons

Drivers requested and Volkswagen listened. The general public and the press have criticized a number of the in-car expertise present in fashions just like the GTI, and the corporate is taking this suggestions to coronary heart. It introduced that buttons will substitute the touch-sensitive surfaces on the steering wheel.

“We’re sharpening our portfolio and our design, plus creating a brand new simplicity in working our autos. For instance, we’re bringing again the push-button steering wheel! That is what prospects need from Volkswagen,” defined firm CEO Thomas Schäfer on LinkedIn.

He stopped in need of offering a exact timeline or a listing of the fashions set to obtain an up to date steering wheel. As of writing, Volkswagen installs a steering wheel with touch-sensitive surfaces in a variety of fashions together with the Golf GTI and the ID.4. The upcoming ID. Buzz was revealed with touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel as effectively; it is a function the corporate started rolling out a few years in the past.

Earlier spy pictures could trace on the timing of the change: In September 2022, our spies noticed a prototype of the refreshed Golf with a brand new infotainment system and precise buttons on its steering wheel. There is a catch, nevertheless. The hatchback that they photographed was a European-spec mannequin, and a number of the extra primary trim ranges bought throughout the pond nonetheless ship with precise buttons on the steering wheel.

“You’ll possible see the primary automobile within the U.S. late in 2024,” a Volkswagen particular person instructed Autoblog.